Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, Saudi Arabia cultural exchange

The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
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The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, Saudi Arabia cultural exchange
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A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
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Updated 01 October 2024
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Riyadh International Book Fair fostering China, Saudi Arabia cultural exchange

The Riyadh International Book Fair opened on Thursday. (Supplied/@rybookfair/X)
  • More Saudis interested in Chinese literature, say publishers
  • Chinese taught at schools is ‘important step’ to boost ties

RIYADH: Publishers are seeing a growing demand from readers in Saudi Arabia for Chinese literature as the two nations continue to strengthen cultural and political ties.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, which opened on Thursday, serves as a vital platform for connecting Saudi Arabia with the global community.

The event emphasizes the importance of translating international works into Arabic to foster cultural exchange, particularly with China.




A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. It has already translated classics including “The Art of War” and “Three Kingdoms.”

Amr Moghith, the editorial manager of Bayt El-Hekma, said: “I see a demand from Saudis to learn the Chinese language. With every year, the demand for Chinese books increases.”

FASTFACTS

• Saudi Arabia has organized A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic.

• Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.

He added: “When the House of Wisdom Cultural Group was established, it was with the aim of building bridges between the Chinese and Arab cultures.




To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (Supplied)

“This has been achieved cumulatively. Initially, the demand for Chinese literature was somewhat weak, although people were curious about Chinese culture, which has a rich history extending back over 5,000 years.”

Moghith said that while there are significant differences in the cultures of the Chinese and Arab worlds, the recent translations, both ways, have led to a surge in interest.

“The demand has become greater, especially since it brings together the Chinese and Arab cultures, which have had longstanding relations since the Silk Road,” he explained, referencing the ancient trade route.




To foster cultural exchange, particularly with China, it is vital to translate international works into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

He said Chinese was now being taught in Saudi schools. “This is an important step that helps many Saudis learn about Chinese culture.

“China wants to convey that it is not just a manufacturing or trading country, but a civilization with deep historical roots.

“It seeks to communicate with countries in the East and the Middle East, particularly given the old relations.”




A leading participant at the book fair is Bayt El-Hekma, an organization which specializes in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

In addition, Bayt El-Hekma, which was established in Egypt in 2011, aims to enrich the understanding of Chinese culture among Arabic speakers and operates an academy for those eager to learn the language.

Saudi Arabia has organized several events to boost relations with China.

For instance, on Sept. 26, the Museums Commission inaugurated the exhibition “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art at Jax.

This event marks the first showcase of contemporary Chinese artists in Saudi Arabia.

It highlights the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to enhance cultural exchange.

 

 


Nuclear watchdog boss reviews latest developments with Saudi ministers

Nuclear watchdog boss reviews latest developments with Saudi ministers
Updated 16 July 2025
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Nuclear watchdog boss reviews latest developments with Saudi ministers

Nuclear watchdog boss reviews latest developments with Saudi ministers
  • Rafael Grossi says meeting with the energy minister highlighted the Kingdom’s ‘excellent and growing cooperation’ with the International Atomic Energy Agency
  • Officials also discuss preparations for the International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies, which will take place in Riyadh in December

RIYADH: Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, held talks with the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Grossi and Prince Faisal discussed regional developments and ways in which international action on issues of common interest might be strengthened. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the deputy minister for multilateral affairs at the Foreign Ministry was also present.

In a separate meeting, Grossi and Prince Abdulaziz talked about enhanced cooperation and the application of international standards for nuclear safety and security.

The officials also discussed preparations for the International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies, which will take place in Riyadh from Dec. 1-4. The Kingdom’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority is organizing the event in cooperation with the IAEA.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Grossi said his meeting with Prince Abdulaziz highlighted “the excellent and growing cooperation between IAEA and Saudi Arabia, as plans for its civilian nuclear program advance.”

The Kingdom has been working closely with the UN’s nuclear watchdog since 2023 to enhance its infrastructure and capabilities in nuclear and radiation energy, while supporting energy diversification.


KSrelief deal to support wildfire response in Syria’s Latakia

KSrelief deal to support wildfire response in Syria’s Latakia
Updated 16 July 2025
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KSrelief deal to support wildfire response in Syria’s Latakia

KSrelief deal to support wildfire response in Syria’s Latakia
  • The agreement was signed on Tuesday in the presence of Syria’s Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed Al-Saleh

KASSAB: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has signed a cooperation agreement to provide critical firefighting equipment, machinery and supplies to support efforts in combating forest fires in the Syrian town of Kassab, located in Latakia governorate.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday in the presence of Syria’s Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed Al-Saleh, and reflects a growing partnership between the two sides aimed at boosting Syria’s emergency response capabilities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The scheme is designed to enhance the effectiveness and speed of wildfire response operations in Latakia through technical and logistical support to local firefighting teams.

With summer temperatures rising, the agreement is seen as a timely intervention to mitigate the risk of widespread forest fires in the region.

Syria’s Deputy Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Ahmed Qazziz described the agreement as strategically significant, particularly during the high-risk summer period.

He highlighted its focus on strengthening civil defense readiness, training personnel and equipping field teams, all crucial elements in safeguarding communities from natural disasters.

The agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian mission to assist disaster-affected populations and help brotherly countries around the world.


Global Enrichment Program empowers 146 Mawhiba students with career skills

Global Enrichment Program empowers 146 Mawhiba students with career skills
Updated 16 July 2025
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Global Enrichment Program empowers 146 Mawhiba students with career skills

Global Enrichment Program empowers 146 Mawhiba students with career skills
  • Program partnered with Oxmedica Global Education, a UK-based organization, which provided nine international trainers
  • Abdullah Al-Shahri, enrolled in the AI and big data track, described the program as an inspiring journey

RIYADH: The Global Enrichment Program at King Saud University in Riyadh offered Mawhiba students a platform to explore their talents, aspirations and potential, helping guide their future career paths.

Organized in partnership with the the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, or Mawhiba, the program ran from June 27 to July 17. It combined education with enjoyment and aimed to discover and nurture gifted students from Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Ali Al-Dalbahi, dean of student affairs at the university and head of the program, said it brought together exceptional students from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Syria, Jordan and Sudan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

A total of 146 students took part in eight specialized tracks, including medical and surgical sciences, mechanical engineering, space and missile engineering, economics and investment, cybersecurity, AI and big data, and the application of AI and big data in biomedical sciences.

The program also partnered with Oxmedica Global Education, a UK-based organization which provided nine international trainers from Oxford, Cambridge, King’s College London, Google and Dubai Business Associates.

Each day included an hour of academic English and strategic learning. Beyond academics, students took part in enrichment activities that taught key business skills and supported their personal growth.

Abdullah Al-Shahri, enrolled in the AI and big data track, described the program as an inspiring journey filled with valuable learning and meaningful interaction.

He praised the instructors’ expertise and enthusiasm, expressing gratitude for their strong support throughout the experience.

Mishaal Al-Harbi, specializing in AI and big data in biomedical sciences, said his passion for technology and medicine motivated him to join.

The program offered a unique opportunity to explore emerging fields, especially the application of AI in healthcare, he added.

Al-Harbi found learning Python both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating, which sparked his curiosity to delve deeper, the SPA reported.

Kuwaiti student Youssef Al-Khashti described the medical and surgical sciences track as a transformative experience, where he gained valuable knowledge and hands-on practice. He expressed appreciation for the organizers’ professionalism and dedication to high-quality learning.

Fahd Al-Rabiah, focused on economics, finance and investment, said the program enriched his academic, social and personal development.

He called it a unique intellectual and cultural experience that broadened his perspective and strengthened his skills. Under expert guidance, he deepened his understanding of core economic principles and the flow of goods and services within the economy.


Saudi project clears 1,171 mines in Yemen

Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,171 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. (Supplied)
Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,171 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. (Supplied)
Updated 16 July 2025
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Saudi project clears 1,171 mines in Yemen

Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,171 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. (Supplied)
  • Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 505,466 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,171 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,124 unexploded ordnances, 46 anti-tank mines and one anti-personnel mines, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said that 505,466 mines have been cleared since the project began in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.


Seven Umrah companies breach housing rules

Seven Umrah companies breach housing rules
Updated 16 July 2025
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Seven Umrah companies breach housing rules

Seven Umrah companies breach housing rules

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recorded offenses by seven Umrah companies for housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodation, a breach of regulatory guidelines.

The findings were part of the ministry’s oversight efforts to monitor service quality for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The ministry said these incidents affect pilgrims’ safety and comfort and that it has begun legal action against the companies to enforce penalties under the law.

The authority affirmed its commitment to ensuring pilgrims receive their full rights with the highest quality and efficiency.

The ministry said it will not tolerate any entity failing contractual obligations or endangering pilgrims’ safety, the SPA added.

It urged all Umrah companies to comply with laws and provide agreed services on time to support a positive experience for pilgrims during their stay in the Kingdom.